State Leader Encourages Cypress Grove Students to Eat Healthy

By Kristen Ross&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Thu 5:42 PM, Oct 11, 2007&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Fri 2:47 AM, Oct 12, 2007

National School Lunch Week is next week. Thursday morning Cypress Grove Intermediate School started next week's festivities with a visit from Todd Staples, Texas' Agriculture Commissioner, who stressed the importance of students improving their nutrition

"Texas is the twelfth highest in the nation in adult obesity, and sixth highest in the nation for childhood obesity," Staples said. "This is a trend we must change if we want a brighter future for our kids."

Changes have already begun in Cypress Grove's lunch room. While some of the food may look familiar, what it is made of is what is different.

"Many people see a pizza on our menu and they think that's not a very healthy choice, but we use whole grain crust, the pizza has low fat cheese on it, and it's actually a nutritious choice," Diane Dahm with Child Nutrition Services. "Our hamburgers are lower in fat, and our hot dogs are turkey dogs."

Todd Staples sat down and talked with kids about the importance of eating right, and making healthy selections at school and at home.

"We're trying to teach kids it's ok to put down a cookie and pick-up a carrot," Staples said. "We're trying to teach them how important it is to have a balanced diet with apples, fresh fruits, and vegetables."

So far his message seems to be working.

"I think it's very good," Cypress Grove fifth grader Amber Macha said. "So people can get their regular energy, and just have a good day."

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